HoL offline

A small gathering of (mostly) forumites in the august surroundings of the House of Lords.

Food was smoked wild salmon with cream on bread as an appetiser, lasagne as a main; with tarte au citron for dessert.

• NV Alfred Gratien Champagne The Wine Society's Private Cuvée Brut

  France, Champagne

  This one had a couple of years storage on it. It was certainly softer than my usual NV experience, and the better for it. Otherwise, a it was nice clean fizz to start.

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• 2000 Schloss Lieser Niederberg Helden Riesling Auslese *

  Germany, Mosel Saar Ruwer

  Drinking nicely now. Some colour. Very perfumed Riesling nose. Very clean palate that's got decentish acidity but the consensus is that it's surprisingly light for an Auslese.

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• 1989 Clos des Papes Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  Opened about 2 hours before drinking. Still so young. Amazing for a 21 year old CdP. Really only just getting going. Powerful but with delicacy. Really refined. the last sip after a further 3 hours was the best. This will last years yet.

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• 1994 Château Bouscassé Madiran Vieilles Vignes

  France, Southwest France, Madiran

  Still pretty tannic. Good but perhaps not great.

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• 1990 Fattoria di Fèlsina Berardenga Chianti Classico Riserva Rancia

  Italy, Tuscany, Chianti, Chianti Classico DOCG

  Dark and powerful. Still surprisingly tannic, but starting to get into it's stride. Good acidity and a lot of fruit. Another excellent wine. No hurry.

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• 1990 Château de Pibarnon Bandol Flawed

  France, Provence, Bandol

  Very slightly corked. Didn't hide was was a very good wine underneath.

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• 2001 Domaine du Pégau Châteauneuf-du-Pape Cuvée Réservée

  France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Châteauneuf-du-Pape

  This started off well and got better. Quite a lot of power but balanced by great notes of garrigue and baked earth. Very clean palate. Excellent stuff.

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• 2001 Ridgeback Shiraz

  South Africa, Coastal Region

  Very dark colour not showing much age at all. Very powerful new world nose that's rather marred by burnt rubber notes. Aaargh. So annoying. Where has this come from a did Platter really give 5* to a wine with this fault? Full and rich palate with a touch of bitterness in the finish. Let's see how it is the next eve...

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• 1990 Château la Borderie Monbazillac

  France, Southwest France, Dordogne, Monbazillac

  Very deep gold - almost rosé! Lovely rich orange, citrussy nose that is mirrored on the palate. Good acidity too. Very yummy.

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